Sustainable Employment Research Articles

Personalized sleep and nutritional strategies to combat adverse effects of night shift work: a controlled intervention protocol

Abstract Background Working during the night interferes with the timing of normal daily activities and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. Under controlled experimental conditions, interventions focusing on sleep and nutrition can mitigate the short-term adverse effects of shift work. However, it is unclear how these results translate to real-life, how they can be targeted to individual conditions, and how they relate to long-term health. Therefore, the current study aims to implement a personalized sleep and nutritional intervention among night shift workers in the field. Methods A non-blinded controlled intervention study is used, consisting of a run-in period, an intervention of 3 months, post-intervention measurements, and a follow-up after 12 months. Three study arms are included: sleep intervention, nutritional intervention, and control group (n = 25 each). Participants are healthy 18–60-year male night shift workers, with at least one year of experience in night shift work. Information from the run-in period will be used to personalize the interventions. The main outcomes are sleep measurements and continuous interstitial glucose levels. Furthermore, general health biomarkers and parameters will be determined to further evaluate effects on long-term health. Discussion This study aims to mitigate negative health consequences associated with night shift work by introducing two personalized preventive interventions. If proven effective, the personalized interventions may serve as practical solutions that can have a meaningful impact on the sustainable health and employability of night shift workers. This study will thereby contribute to the current need for high–quality data on preventative strategies for night shift work in a real-life context. Trial registration This trial has been registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06147089. Registered 27 November 2023.

Introduction of a guaranteed basic income as a probable consequence of intellctual automation of labor

Objective: to form a holistic view of the unconditional basic income as a tool of social protection, taking into account the changes in the labor sphere and allowing to solve a number of growing problems associated with the consequences of the economy digitalization, as well as to assess the prospects of creating legal regulation on this issue. Methods: the study was conducted using both general and specific scientific methods, including analysis and synthesis, formal-legal method, systemic and comparative approaches, methods of legal forecasting and legal modeling. Results: unconditional basic income can become one of the elements of a new model of social security based on the unstable nature of labor relations, which begins to prevail over the model of sustainable employment traditional for industrial society. If established, this institution will be cross-sectoral within the labor law and social security law, providing social protection simultaneously to all members of society, most of whom in the near future will face an increased risk of being absorbed by technological unemployment. Unconditional basic income as an element of the social protection system will have to comply with the principle of the universal nature of protection based on social solidarity, on the one hand, and to take into account the need to balance the interests of the parties, on the other hand. As experimental models of basic income, which can be put into practice in the coming years, we can name the model of basic income as a measure of social support for persons involved in atypical forms of employment. This model will affect a number of existing provisions of labor legislation and will allow over time, in case of technological unemployment, to expand the circle of unconditional basic income recipients to all people. Scientific novelty: it consists in the fact that the unconditional basic income is analyzed from the viewpoint of its compliance with the fundamental principles of labor, employment, and social security. Practical significance: it consists in revealing the significance of basic income for the implementation of social policy and in forming recommendations for modeling experiments to introduce the unconditional basic income in the Russian Federation.

Ambition, Marital Status, and Burnout: Insights from India’s Gig Economy for Sustainable Employment

This study investigates the link between personal ambition, marital status, and burnout among Indian gig professionals, focusing on how individual traits and life circumstances affect occupational stress. Through structured survey of diverse gig workers, the results reveal significant stress levels, with single individuals showing a stronger connection between ambition and burnout than their married peers. The research explores the crucial role of ambition in causing stress among gig workers and how marital status moderates this relationship. It challenges the conventional view of ambition as merely a motivational asset, highlighting its complex impact on professional stress. It calls for further research into ambition’s role in occupational stress and emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies. These findings support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), advocating for sustainable development and well-being for gig workers.

Teaching Zen and educational challenges in accounting in the context of the vision of Society 5

Purpose: The article presents the potential advantages of using Zen philosophy teaching techniques, specifically kōans, in the education of people professionally related to accounting in the context of educational challenges related to Era 5.0 (the vision of Society 5.0).Methodology/approach: A descriptive and critical analysis of the literature, followed by interpretation and explanation.Findings: The challenges facing accounting professionals in Era 5.0 necessitate a shift in their education. In addition to knowledge and technological skills, soft skills, especially cognitive ones, are crucial for accountants to serve as strategic and valuable human resources in organizations and society, thus contributing to the humanization of society and increasing the chances for sustainable employment. The article discusses the potential advantages of using kōans, practised by followers of Zen philosophy, to develop these cognitive skills.Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on a literature review and require verification through further research. Originality/value: The article presents a holistic approach to accounting education, presenting the possibility of using unusual educational techniques based on Zen meditation and studying koans instead of commonly used case studies and citing evidence of the effectiveness of such education. It demonstrates that accounting as a social science developed in a cultural environment and can benefit from diverse perspectives on reality.

Quantitative Analysis of Agricultural Programmes’ Effectiveness in Reducing Unemployment Rate in Nigeria

Unemployment remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with a significant portion of its population unable to secure sustainable employment opportunities. In recent years, agricultural programmes have emerged as potential solutions to address the challenges of unemployment. This study explores the effectiveness of agricultural programmes in reducing unemployment rate in Nigeria. The agricultural sector in Nigeria holds immense potential for job creation, considering the country’s vast arable land, favourable climate, and agricultural resources. However, the sector has been underutilized and faced numerous challenges, leading to high unemployment rates. Agricultural programmes have garnered attention as they aim to revitalize the sector, promote sustainable farming practices, and create employment opportunities for the burgeoning youth population. Consequently, the paper examines the impact of key agricultural programmes such as the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS), Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), and FADAMA, introduced by successive Nigerian governments at various times in reducing the unemployment rate in the country. Some of these programme though new, are just a transmutation from older ones, with the operations remaining the same. These programmes have demonstrated positive impacts in several ways according to statistics; contributing to the diversification of the economy of Nigeria and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on oil revenue. The question is, how effective have these programmes been in reducing the unemployment rate? Therefore, the paper’s main objective was to analyse how successful these programmes have been in checking the problem. The study uses the Logit model to investigate the effectiveness of these key Agricultural programmes in curbing the unemployment rate in the country. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) were used in the analysis. The results reveal that, of the four prominent programmes introduced by the government based on participants employed, the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) had the likelihood or greater probability at reducing the unemployment rate in the country. The study, consequently, concludes that, subsequent programmes should be designed according to the operations and modus operandi of CACS and that other programmes should either be upgraded to CACS module or be scrapped since their impact on reducing unemployment is not felt.

Navigating Nepal’s Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions: Insights into the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)

This research aims to employ the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method within the insight into the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) to verify whether EKC exists in the Nepalese economy. In this research, variables were used, such as carbon emissions per capita, GDP per capita, energy use per capita, trade volume, and urbanization from 1980 to 2021, and the ARDL method was used. The data has been taken in this research except trade volume from the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, Nepal. The data sets are converted into the natural logarithmic form to minimize the problem of heteroskedasticity. The findings provide compelling evidence for the existence of the EKC in Nepal, that economic growth has an inverted U-shaped impact on carbon emissions. In the early stages of development, economic growth leads to rising carbon emissions, but in the later stages, economic growth becomes associated with declining emissions. Besides economic growth, per capita energy consumption and urbanization emerge as significant drivers of carbon emissions. However, the trade volume is not found to be the driving factor of carbon emissions. The findings of this study have significant policy implications for global climate change issues and Nepal’s transition from an underdeveloped to a developing nation. To achieve harmonious economic growth and emissions reduction, donor countries and agencies to partner with Nepal in its ambitious endeavors. This partnership can take shape through multifaceted support as fueling socio-economic progress that aligns with Nepal’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, ensuring that development and sustainability walk together. This research recommends the government of Nepal electrify the transportation landscape by incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for cleaner air and a healthier planet, empowering Nepal’s natural guardians by strengthening public and private forest programs, safeguarding invaluable ecosystems and biodiversity and curbing the tide of waste mismanagement through strict regulations and robust enforcement, transforming a potential threat into a source of innovation and resourcefulness. These measures, aligned with sustainable employment generation, can pave the way for a brighter and greener future for Nepal.

Development of the green policy strategies of enterprises: а decent work

This research examines the symbiotic relationship between the creation of green jobs within enterprises, economic growth, and the consequential reduction in CO2 emissions. It delves into the multifaceted advantages derived from integrating sustainable employment practices within businesses, emphasising their substantial contribution to fostering economic prosperity while concurrently mitigating adverse CO2 emissions. The main goals of this article are as follows: to study the experience of developed countries regarding the costs of their sustainable development strategies and the effects that have been achieved; generalise the main tools for ensuring decent work on the example of large companies, evaluate the relationship between reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions and providing green jobs. A comparison of financial instruments for maintaining green workplaces at enterprises in developed countries (USA, Norway, China, Germany, Sweden, and Poland) has been made. CO2 emissions reduction strategies, expenditure, funding, financing, and green jobs by countries have been analyzed. By investing in green initiatives and restructuring operational frameworks to prioritise sustainability, enterprises actively mitigate their carbon footprint, ultimately contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious business landscape. This comprehensive study explores recent advancements in green job creation and renewable energy development in different countries of the world. The strategies of reducing CO₂ emissions by such companies as IKEA, Google, Unilever, and Tesla show not only positively impact the environment but can also be profitable for their businesses and guarantee decent work for their employees.

KEBIJAKAN PEMERINTAH DALAM MEMBANGUN KETENAGAKERJAAN YANG BERKELANJUTAN UNTUK MENSEJAHTERAKAN KEHIDUPAN MASYARAKAT

Indonesia is facing quite complex employment problems. This contributes to the development of human resource competencies in Indonesia to be able to compete at the national, regional, and international levels. Government policy on sustainable employment is the main focus in creating an inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented work environment. This paper aims to analyze the strategies and policies implemented by the government to improve sustainable employment development. The workforce in Indonesia still has various problems, such as high unemployment rates, low quality of workforce, wages, social security, and so on. This analysis also discusses challenges and opportunities in dealing with labor issues, this paper also implements the concept of competitiveness. Through this concept, it is found that efforts to increase competitiveness can start from the substance of the labor sector such as skills and infrastructure. Then, increasing competitiveness also requires reform of the employment system which is regulated in such a way by the government to obtain better quality human resources in the future.

To Study the Factors Affecting the Sustainable Employment of Human Resources in the Construction Industry

Organizational executives have always taken care of the sustainable employment of their employees. It is a part of the responsibility of the manager to form a competent team and team and to continue their sustainable operation. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the construction industry and the mining industry have been investing the most in Mongolia's economy. Stable employment of skilled workers has become the most important factor in creating the image of the country and the comfort of the people. The increase in turnover and turnover of employees not only increases the cost of the organization, but also leads to a lack of skills and knowledge, resulting in a shortage of human resources and a decrease in the ability to overcome competition. In recent years, since the COVID-19, there has been a lot of staff turnover due to the difficult working environment in the construction industry. This article examines the external and internal environmental factors that affect the sustainable employment of construction industry employees and calculates the relationship between them. In the research, a questionnaire survey was taken from construction industry executives, and the results were calculated using SPSS23 and Smart PLS programs. According to the results, the managers believed that the external environment has a strong positive relationship and the internal environment factors have a positive relationship with the sustainable employment of human resources in the construction industry.

Exploring "Luigj Gurakuqi" University Students' Career Goals Andperceptions in the Tourism Industry: Emphasizing SDGs

Objectives: The study aims to analyze the perceptions and interest of "Luigj Gurakuqi" University students towards a career in the tourism and hotel industry. It focuses on understanding their preferences, assessing opportunities for growth and advancement, and identifying factors considered important for success in this field. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in a thorough literature review that examines existing research on student perceptions and preferences related to employment in the tourism industry. This review provides context and identifies relevant studies that inform the research objectives. Method: The methodology involves the use of a structured questionnaire to gather demographic data and perceptions from students. The study employs a quantitative approach to analyze the collected data, identifying relationships and trends. Results and Discussion: The results reveal students' perceptions regarding employment in the tourism industry, highlighting the influence of factors such as age, gender, place of residence, and field of study on their career goals. The analysis offers insights into the expectations and needs of students in relation to careers in the tourism and hospitality sector. Research Implications: The study's findings contribute valuable knowledge for understanding student expectations and needs concerning tourism careers. This information can be used by educators, industry professionals, and policymakers to better support students in their career aspirations within the tourism and hospitality industry, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Originality/Value: The study provides a unique and in-depth analysis of "Luigj Gurakuqi" University students' perceptions and interests in the tourism industry. It adds to the body of literature by offering specific insights into the factors influencing students' career goals and preferences in this sector.

IS THIS (TELE)WORKING? A path model analysis of the relationship between telework, job demands and job resources, and sustainable employability.

Technological advancements and the COVID-19 crisis have accelerated the adoption of telework, impacting employees' work dynamics. Moreover, an aging workforce emphasises the need for sustainable employability. With reference to the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, this study explores how telework relates to job demands and job resources and, subsequently, to sustainable employability. The present study investigates the repercussions of increased telework on employees' sustainable employability. Hypotheses posit direct and indirect (i.e., mediated) relationships, providing insights for evidence-based telework policies. Data from 552 government employees was collected through an online survey. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when widespread teleworking was prevalent. A path model was employed to analyse associations between telework, job demands (specifically work pressure), job resources (social support, workplace communication, and role clarity), and sustainable employability dimensions, including vitality, work ability, and employability. Our path model reveals that heightened telework was associated with elevated work pressure and diminished role clarity. Surprisingly, a positive association emerges between work pressure and sustainable employability. Notably, no significant relationship is found between telework, social support, and workplace communication. Role clarity is likely to be pivotal, positively influencing vitality and employability. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of telework on job demands, resources, and sustainable employability. The unexpected positive association between work pressure and sustainable employability challenges conventional stressor paradigms. The relationships between telework, job demands, job resources, and sustainable employability uncovered in this study can contribute to evidence-based teleworking policies and strategies that support employee health and employability amidst evolving work structures.

Beyond the bottom line: assessing the social return on investment of a disability-inclusive social enterprise

PurposeThough qualitative evidence of social impact exists for disability-inclusive social enterprise, there is a dearth of quantitative economic impact on their social impact. This study aims to address this gap and investigate the appropriateness and usefulness of social return on investment (SROI) methodology in this context.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data was collected from people with disabilities, their families, staff at the parent company (an Australian Disability Enterprise [ADE]), social investors and other key stakeholders (n = 17). The study was also informed by the literature and a steering group to provide expert opinion when no other data existed to inform estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed to check the robustness of the analysis.FindingsSocial return was estimated at $1.47–$2.65 for every $1 invested (over 3 years) and $8.48–$12.63 (20 years). Some forecast assumptions significantly impacted upon final ratios and need to be tested. How SROI ratios are received by social investors, the ADE sector and government remains untested. However, the political climate suggests ADEs adopting social enterprise models will be well received if they can deliver, and demonstrate through robust measurement, sustainable open employment opportunities.Originality/valueFew studies exist that estimate the social impact of social enterprises supporting open employment of people with disabilities. At a time when ADEs (sheltered workshops) have been heavily criticised for providing repetitive, menial work for top up wages on welfare payments, the outputs from this research may provide valuable data to an ADE sector in transition as well as social investors and policy makers who increasingly require robust measurement of impact.

Employment Discipline And the Threat of Dismissal Asregulators of the Labor Market in Kazakhstan (SDG)

Objective: This study investigates the role of unemployment as a mechanism of labor discipline in Kazakhstan. It analyzes the relationships between the official unemployment rate and the labor legislation reforms regulating labor discipline that have occurred since Kazakhstan gained independence. The manuscript outlines the developmental stages of labor legislation concerning labor discipline. Method: The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of statistical data, legislative acts, and judicial practices in Kazakhstan. Data sources include official statistics on unemployment and labor disputes, an analysis of changes in the Labor Code of Kazakhstan, and a review of judicial decisions related to disciplinary sanctions and dismissals. Results: The study reveals that strengthening disciplinary responsibility and expanding the powers of employers have significantly contributed to the decline in unemployment in Kazakhstan. These results support the hypothesis that strict labor discipline and pressure on employees can positively impact the overall labor market. However, this impact is not isolated but part of a broader set of measures. Contribution: This research provides a detailed comparative analysis of the number of labor disputes and the evolution of Kazakhstan's labor discipline legislation. Key observations include the correlation between stringent disciplinary norms and reduced unemployment, the influence of judicial practices on labor discipline, and the necessity of balancing strict discipline with fair treatment to prevent legal disputes. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing labor policies to support sustainable labor market development in Kazakhstan. These insights align with the goals of SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Telework in Administrative Management within the Framework of the SDG, in a Peruvian Public Institution

Objective: The objective of the research was to determine the influence of teleworking on administrative management in a Peruvian public institution. The same one that is associated with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) “Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.” Theoretical framework: Teleworking consists of tasks carried out without the physical presence of the worker, using computer and telecommunications means for control and supervision. This requires the employer to provide the necessary resources and manage technological dependence and ownership of the results. Method: It was a basic study, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sample was made up of 100 employees of a Peruvian public institution. The technique applied was the survey and a structured questionnaire was used for each variable. Results and Discussion: A p value < 0.000 was found, which shows that there is a significant influence of teleworking on administrative management, showing an influence of 24%. Research implications: Teleworking in the Peruvian administration improves implementation by reducing operating costs in the public sector, offering flexibility to collaborators, increasing productivity and allowing the hiring of talent without geographical limitations. Originality/value: Teleworking in the administrative management of public institutions in Peru has been little researched, which makes this study an original contribution, since most previous research has focused on other contexts.

The role of individual factors in perceived sustainable employability: an application in higher education

PurposeSustainable employability has emerged as a multifaceted construct that measures individuals' abilities to function in the labour market throughout their working lives. Therefore, it is no longer just about analysing how to achieve a successful transition from school/university to employment, but also about identifying the conditions that will allow people to continue to be capable and motivated in the long term. The aim of this work was to identify and rank the personal factors of an individual that contribute to his or her perceived sustainable employability.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a quantitative methodology to estimate the structural model proposed. A stratified random procedure was used to administer an online questionnaire to 202 university master’s degree students. Before testing the structural model, the validation of each scale was performed, both at the exploratory and confirmatory levels.FindingsThe results indicate that four groups were key to improve individual sustainable employability: (1) Health Status; (2) Career Competencies; (3) Core Self-Evaluations and (4) Overcoming Competencies.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are of interest to any individual, employed or not, insofar as they can reflect on the relevance of each category and how to improve them at the individual level.Originality/valueThis study contributes to research on sustainable employability focus on the analysis of young people by providing empirical evidence on its relationship with other key variables, in an area where the literature remains mainly conceptual and centred in workers.

From the pitch to the job market: a scoping review of sport-for-employability programmes

ABSTRACT Rationale There has been growing recognition of the potential for sport to contribute to development, and employability has emerged as one of the core thematic areas of sport for development (SFD). However, we have a limited overview of SFD programmes and their contributions to employability. As such, the following review seeks to summarise current literature on the topic and answer three related questions: (1) who delivers programmes and what groups are targeted?; (2) what sport and non-sport activities are used?; and (3) what competencies are developed or targeted through these programmes? Methods A Scoping Review following Arksey and O’Malley [Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616] is conducted to locate and synthesise literature on sport-for-employability programmes. Results Programmes rely on a mix of sport activities and workshops to develop a sub-set of social and personal competencies and support the acquisition of general employment skills as well as some formal qualifications in sport or service-related professions. Implications To provide meaningful, sustainable employability, there is a need to offer deeper qualifications while also proactively working to improve the external factors driving employability for their participants.

Identifying and Analyzing Factors and Obstacles Affecting Sustainable Employment Iranian Sports Science Graduates

Identifying and Analyzing Factors and Obstacles Affecting Sustainable Employment Iranian Sports Science Graduates

Love over gold and mind over matter? Identifying capabilities that preserve medical assistants’ sustainable employability

BackgroundMedical assistants (MAs) are crucial for affordable, high-quality primary care, but what motivates this low-wage occupational group to stay in their job remains underexplored. This paper identifies the work aspects that MAs value (“capabilities”), and how they affect sustainable employability, which refers to employees’ long-term ability to function and remain in their job.MethodsWe used structural equation modelling to assess how capabilities relate to four outcomes among MAs: burnout, job satisfaction, intention to quit, and experiencing work as meaningful.ResultsWe find that earning a good income, developing knowledge and skills, and having meaningful relationships at work relate to the outcomes. Meaningful relationships represent a stronger predictor than salary for one’s intention to quit.ConclusionsCompetitive salaries are necessary but not sufficient to motivate low-wage health care workers like MAs to stay in their job. Health care leaders and managers should also structure work so that MAs can foster meaningful relationships with others as well as develop competencies.

So How Did We Get Here? A Historical Case Study of Migrant Employment in the New Zealand Hotel Sector

This article maps the transition from a corporatist to a neoliberal consensus in the hotel industry in New Zealand, focussing on the changing labour conditions for migrant workers. We show how the current vulnerabilities for migrant workers, such as poor pay and conditions, and low unionisation, came into being. While much “presentist” research takes migrant worker vulnerability in hospitality and tourism for granted, this article finds that migrant workers did not always experience such vulnerability but, rather, this was constructed over time. The impacts of employment legislation and ownership changes during the 1980s and 1990s were crucial. By taking a critical historical employment relations approach, we better contextualise the current moment of labour shortages, reliance on migrant labour and by “race to the bottom” employment conditions. This suggests that the drive for sustainable employment practices will remain “aspirational” until the power imbalance in New Zealand employment relations is addressed.

Co-creating a Health Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Employment and Sector Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa

The unemployment and underemployment of youth in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant socio-economic issue. This situation, coupled with high poverty rates and low health standards, threatens economic growth and social stability. The healthcare sector offers a potential solution through job creation and innovation, yet mismatched skills and a lack of high-quality education hinder progress. Health Entrepreneurship Education (HENT Ed) is crucial to address these challenges by equipping youth with the necessary skills to drive healthcare innovation and economic growth. The Mastercard Foundation’s “Young Africa Works” strategy aims to bridge this gap by facilitating 30 million jobs for youth by 2030, supported by educational curricula and entrepreneurial training. One way of achieving this goal is the MSc in Health Entrepreneurship at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, launched in January 2024. In collaboration with the University of Toronto, this program represents the first global co-created HENT Ed, combining entrepreneurship education with healthcare needs. Early feedback from students reveals the benefits of this innovative approach, indicating positive impacts on engagement and venture success. Continuous evaluation and refinement will ensure the program meets evolving needs, fostering a new generation of health entrepreneurs.